Following a direct mandate from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to modernize the nation’s regional gateways, Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez announced the accelerated construction of the new Busuanga Airport.
The project aims to transform Palawan’s tourism landscape by enabling the arrival of larger aircraft, increasing passenger capacity, and driving down travel costs.
During a recent inspection alongside Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Director General Raul Del Rosario and Deputy Director General Danjun Lucas, Secretary Lopez emphasized that the upgrade is vital for both local and international travelers drawn to the region’s world-famous white beaches and islands.
“President Marcos Jr. has instructed us to speed up the construction of the Busuanga Airport to replace the aging facilities,” said Secretary Lopez. “By lengthening the runway, we will allow larger jets to land. This doesn’t just mean more comfort and less crowding—it means more competition and lower fares for the public.”
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has established an aggressive timeline to meet the growing demand for Palawan travel:
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Pre-procurement: Commencing next week.
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Groundbreaking: Construction is scheduled to begin in the last week of July 2026.
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Runway Completion: Expected by December 2026, the runway will expand from its current 1,200 meters to 2,100 meters (with a future provision for 2,400 meters).
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New Terminal Building: The state-of-the-art Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) is slated for completion by May 2027.
Recognizing the immediate need for better facilities while the new airport is under construction, Secretary Lopez has also ordered the rapid renovation and expansion of the existing terminal.
| Feature | Current Capacity | Expanded/New Capacity |
| Passenger Capacity | 200 Passengers | 1,000 Passengers |
| Climate Control | Standard | Fully Air-Conditioned |
| Runway Length | 1,200 Meters | 2,100 Meters |
The interim expansion ensures that even before the new airport’s grand opening in 2027, tourists and locals will experience a significantly more comfortable and efficient transit environment.
The development of the new Busuanga Airport is a cornerstone of the administration’s “Build Better More” program. By upgrading regional airports to accommodate large-body jets, the government aims to decentralize tourism, create local jobs, and ensure that Palawan remains a premier, accessible destination for the global market.
